Cass Clayton Band - Bridal Party - Radio Drive

Cass Clayton Band released their new album entitled 'Play Nice' a few week back and it's well worth us catching up on it. The musical influences that inform the bands direction include rock, soul, funk and blues which ensures plenty of variety, more importantly the new collection of music has plenty of melodic hooks and is delivered with quality, passion and style.

We have already featured a couple of tracks from Bridal Party this year ahead of their 'Too Much' album release, and now we have the full album to enjoy. Their goal of making music they like is all apparent, as is their ability to write and perform exceptional, imaginative and notably creative pop songs.

The sixth full album from Radio Drive is 'In The Light'. Packing a fine collection of indie and alt rock tracks, the bands unpretentious natural rockers are determined and catchy throughout. 
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Cass Clayton Band - Play Nice (album).

"Play Nice is an ironic title for this album, because I wasn't really playing nice in the writing of these songs. That's a departure from the norm for me, because I've always been careful to make sure people feel comfortable. I have a triple decker filter before my thoughts hit my tongue. I didn't want to do that with the music, so I stepped away from the comfort of being liked and said what I needed to say. I believe Play Nice turned out to be more expressive, vulnerable and sensual. Even the rock-based songs have an underlying message. I definitely feel overexposed, and maybe that's the way an artist should feel. Hopefully putting it out there without a filter allows other people to feel a little freer as well."

Cass Clayton Band has become known across the region for its tight chemistry and high-energy stage presence, a reputation that has landed them on some of the best stages, shows, festivals and radio shows in Colorado and beyond. Their unique blend of rock, R&B, funk, blues and soul has a distinctly contemporary feel, and has won over audiences across age groups and genres. Cass’s 2018 album (released June, 2018) won 4 songwriting awards and garnered top reviews from magazines nationally and internationally. They were also recently voted Album of the Year 2018 in the Colorado Blues Society Members’ Choice Awards. In addition, Cass has been voted as one of the top 3 slide guitar players in Colorado and top 2 vocalists (CO Blues Society Members’ Choice Awards). In February, 2019, she was featured on the cover of Recording Magazine with a 4-page feature article. Known for a uniquely soulful and velvety vocal style, Cass effortlessly moves from gentle and contemplative to a belting range that will knock you flat.

In 2019, Cass Clayton Band is shaping up to be an exciting year. Cass was recently invited to be a voting member of the Recording Academy, and the band is headlining for numerous festivals.  They will be joining Tab Benoit on the main stage at the Brighton Blues Blast, headlining Denver Arts Festival (50,000 attending), Art Night Out  in Lafayette, Stargazers Theatre Summer Series in Colorado Springs, and co-headlining Dickens Opera House with Grammy nominated, Brigitte Purdy.

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Bridal Party - Too Much (album).

Victoria, BC art-pop quintet Bridal Party have always had the goal of making pop music they like. Now with the approaching release of debut full-length Too Much (on Kingfisher Bluez) the band find themselves at a critical moment: as songwriters and collaborators presenting their personal vision.

Principal lyricists Suzannah Raudaschl and Joseph Leroux formed Bridal Party with bassist and producer Lee Gauthier and drummer Adrian Heim in 2015. Jordan Clairmont joined on keys in 2017. Their initial EP release Hot Daze (2015) found chart success on college radio and some modest but promising support through placement on Bandcamp Weekly. Their second EP, Negative Space (2017) charted well and lead to six-figure streams of lead single Fruitless on Spotify. Beatroute (BC) magazine describes Bridal Party as “a perfect marriage of indie pop and soul.”

The band recorded Too Much over three separate week-long immersive studio visits in 2017 and 2018. This disparate recording process would ultimately undo and reform everything the band knew about their sound. A playful and unflinching lyrical voice was honed, drawing on themes of care and self-love as well as their sombre opposites. Each players’ particular handle on their instrument resonates without tuning out the chemistry of influence the members enjoy with one another.

The resultant record is a vibrant collection of songs of uncanny intimacy, thriving from experimentation in studio that remains honest to the band’s live set. Whether it’s the confessional lyricism and feathery textures of “When I’m Naked”, the plaintive riddle and bedlam of “Armour”, or the celebratory disco of the title track, Too Much shines a light on the band’s interior joys and terrors in equal measure.

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Radio Drive - In The Light (album).

The 6th full album release by Radio Drive, featuring Kevin Gullickson, is titled "In The Light".  Released earlier this month, the album is already receiving massive indie radio play and rave reviews.

Radio Drive is an Alternative Pop Rock band featuring  Kevin Gullickson.  As the engine behind Radio Drive, Kevin has won international awards and nominations for his songs and music videos. 

The music of Radio Drive is being aired on radio around the world alongside major artists and is receiving rave reviews by music critics.  He has been featured on web zines and radio shows in Europe, Canada and the USA.

Kevin’s music has landed on charts on indie stations around the world, including Canada, Germany, the UK and the South Pacific.  His music has been used on shows airing on Animal Planet, National Geographic, History Channel, NBC Sports, Fox Sports and Discovery Channel and other TV programs around the world.

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Twelfth Day - Shotgun Tori & the Hounds - Rapport - Rosa Bordallo

Along with UK tour dates later this year Twelfth Day have just shared a new video for 'Keep Me' their latest single.Their musicianship and choice of instruments is described as unconventional, the end result is fabulous and the vocals and harmonies make the music soar to even higher places.

We have the full (self titled) album to from Shotgun Tori & the Hounds to enjoy via the Bandcamp stream below. Intelligent or with good humour, their lyrics alone are splendid and the mixture of folk, indie and country styles is delivered with quality and feeling. From Johannesburg, South Africa, their music crosses continents with ease, this really is a fine album.

Rapport have shared the first single and accompanying video today, the track is entitled 'In The Dark' and its a taste of what's in store on their debut E.P. due in October. It's a feel good indie pop/rock song where melodic hooks and a pleasing video suggest the band are worth keeping a look out for.

Musician and singer / song-writer Rosa Bordallo has a new album due in October from which we have 'Lost on the Coast' accompanied by a superb video. The song is hard to classify, it's personal, exudes feeling and is put simply, honest and beautiful.
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Twelfth Day - Keep Me.

Twelfth Day are sharing the video for their new single, Keep Me which was shot in the studio.  It's a song inspired by the recent rise in awareness of climate change in the media, with the lyrics are from the point of view of Mother Nature as she expresses her relief that we’ve finally realised serious action needs to be taken to save the planet.

Keep Me makes up part of an in-the-works new album that will confront societal conventions by exploring a wealth of urgent current issues such as gender roles, power balance and the challenges of working in the arts as a young woman, the threat of climate change and society’s reluctance to act, and the struggles of mental health.

Expressed through their unconventional use of harp and violin - and their inclusion of drums and bass for the first time - they make something that’s greater than the sum of its small parts, drawing on a love of pop, folk, jazz and classical.

UK tour dates in full:

15th November - Scots Fiddle Festival, Edinburgh
18th November - Hug and Pint, Glasgow
19th November - Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester
22nd November - Ashburton Arts Centre, Ashburton, Devon
23rd November - Tolmen Centre, Constantine, Cornwall
24th November - The Acorn, Penzance, Cornwall
25th November - The Bell Inn, Bath
26th November - Cambridge Junction, Cambridge
27th November - Cecil Sharp House, London
28th November - Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry
29th November - Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds
30th November - Victoria Hall, Settle


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Shotgun Tori & the Hounds - Self Titled Album.

Shotgun Tori & The Hounds' self-titled album has just been released. Out of Johannesburg, South Africa, Shotgun Tori & The Hounds are articulate and intelligent story tellers, able to combine humor, emotion and beauty in an engaging new take on the indie-folk-and-country sound.

The band’s self-titled album is a collection of tales and spirit. Raw and melodic, the sound brings to mind Drive-By-Truckers if fronted by a combination of Amanda Shires and Martha Wainwright.

Lyrically, the songs on Shotgun Tori & The Hounds follow Tori’s imperative that stories are to be shared and not left to whither quietly.

The result is something at once powerful, vulnerable and defiant - all held firm by a production that draws as much from the Pixies and Radiohead as it does from the Beatles, Neko Case and Richmond Fontaine.

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Rapport - In The Dark.

Toronto-based band Rapport, are releasing the first single from their debut EP today Wednesday.

It’s called "In The Dark" and is accompanied by a really endearing video, and it appears on their debut EP which is coming out on Arbutus Records (Grimes, Lydia Ainsworth, Majical Cloudz) at the beginning of October.

The band is fronted by Maddy Wilde (formerly of Moon King) and they've been building some momentum in Toronto and Montreal recently, opening for folks like Sir Babygirl, TOPS, Ellis and Palm.


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Rosa Bordallo - Lost on the Coast.

Musician and singer-songwriter Rosa Bordallo announces her new album Reef Walker, which will be released October 18, 2019 via Time Castle Recordings. Written entirely by Bordallo, Reef Walker is a personal investigation of identity, Bordallo is of CHamoru heritage and grew up in the Pacific island of Guam and moved to New York at the age of 19.

She has since struggled with distance from her birthplace—geographically and culturally—but finds solace and support in activism, connecting with urban indigenous communities, and creating music. Previously, Bordallo played in the post-punk band cholo and was a soloist under the moniker Manett, but Reef Walker will be the first album under her own name.

Reef Walker's first single "Lost on The Coast" is out today on DSPs, and, as Bordallo explains, "is about leaving one’s place of origin and not knowing if one will ever return. It’s about points of no return. We reach these important milestones in our lives only to realize we left something irreplaceable or irretrievable behind." The track arrives with a music video sourced from HD archival footage of aquatic life of various locales, edited entirely by Bordallo.


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Xul Zolar - Fime - The Dollyrots

We have the brand new video for Xul Zolar and the song 'Nightfalls'. Musically it is somewhere between alt rock and indie with a definite experimental feel to the arrangement, the video is a fine accompaniment to a very fine song and E.P.

Fime have a new video for 'Solo / Together' which is a powerful indie rocker with a subtle melody and potent chorus line, it bodes well for the five song E.P due in October.

It's official The Dollyrots know how to party as is witnessed by the song and video for (drum-role please) 'I Know How to Party'. This is a hook filled and upbeat punk track that simply exudes good vibes.
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Xul Zolar - Nightfalls.

Cologne based indie four-piece Xul Zolar shared the new three-track 'Nightfalls' EP on August 23rd via Asmara Records/Kitsuné.

Alongside two recently released tracks: 'Perfume' and 'Nightfalls', the ‘Nightfalls’ EP includes the new single 'Your Ways'. A harmony of analogue and digital, the new single creates an atmosphere that is melancholic yet blissful.

Speaking to the rationale of the EP, the band explain "instead of moving on straight to work on our second full length we opted for the EP format which is a perfect playground to experiment and try things out. One aspect in which the songs of the EP differ from those on our record is that, while retaining electronic elements and influences, the sound is more ‘band-like’. For example while we often used triggered drums and samples on the all of the drums and percussion on the EP are played live and recorded. Another major difference to the last record is that the tracks on the EP are the first ones on which we worked as a four piece. We never follow a strict formula and though the tracks on the EP are in our opinion a clear continuation of our previous work, they are different enough to keep both the listener and us excited."

Since forming in 2011, Xul Zolar have gained recognition for their captivating sound and live presence, including performances at major European festivals Dockville, c/o Pop, Immergut and Incubate, as well as support shows and tours with the likes of Battles, Future Islands, Balthazar and SOHN. Having honed their craft, they have earned the label of being one of the most promising indie acts to come out of Germany in recent years.


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Fime - Solo / Together.

The band channel a slew of 90's influences to maximum effect, and it's made all the more potent by the crisp production, courtesy of Melina Duterte.

 Recorded at the groups LA house (which they share with Duterte), "Solo/Together" is buoyed by call & response vocals and enveloping, reverb drenched guitars.

The nostalgic verses move with almost doo-wop-esque romanticism that perfectly juxtaposes the triumpant euphoria of the song's chorus.

Fime are an LA based band comprised of Beto Brakmo, Chase Cook and Maxine Garcia. Their new 5-song EP, Sprawl, comes on the heels of 2018's Outside EP, and follows the bands move from the Bay Area to LA. Sprawl is scheduled for release this October, and see's the band harnessing contemporary influences like Spirit of the Beehive along with classic alternative rock a la Sonic Youth, Pavement, and My Bloody Valentine.


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The Dollyrots - I Know How to Party.

Filled with anthemic hooks and super-charged verses the Dollyrots new album Daydream Explosion is out now on Wicked Cool/The Orchard. "I know how to party is a song poking fun at ourselves and making the point that life is supposed to be fun. No one is perfect but everyone can party!" – says Kelly Ogden.

With production by the band and longtime producer John Fields, the Dollyrots' signature punk n’ rock style shines through with hard-charging guitars, tantalizing hooks, and punked-out percussion.

The twosome has had great success taking the DIY approach with their last three releases hitting the Billboard charts. Their 2017 album Whiplash Splash debuted on both Billboard’s Heatseekers chart at #13 and Billboard’s Independent Albums chart at #31. The band’s 2016 live album/DVD Family Vacation: Live in Los Angeles debuted at #15 on Billboard's Heatseekers album chart, and Barefoot and Pregnant garnered their first chart appearance, peaking at #7 on Billboard's Heatseekers.

This time around they have decided to join forces with Stevie Van Zandt’ s Wicked Cool Records/ The Orchard for the new album release. A label that evolved out of Van Zandt's weekly syndicated radio show Little Steven's Underground Garage, as it became clear to him some of the best Rock and Roll wasn't receiving the support it deserved. The duos alliance with Wicked Cool began with the singles “Get Radical” in 2018 and “Everything” this spring.


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Rebekah Hawker - Candy Ambulance - Cold Reading

Rebekah Hawker has released 'Kempenfelt Bay' a stunning country folk song which places her on a par with many a fine artist who inhabit the world of Americana or should that be Canadiana.

We have featured Candy Ambulance just once before back in 2017 and now we have 'Road Valium'. The trio mix grunge rock with a dash of pop sensibilities on this track and do so splendidly.

Lucerne based Cold Reading have a new single entitled 'Present Tense', which is our third feature for the band and follows on from 'Through the Woods, Pt.1.' shared earlier this year. The bands alt rock is a little softer this time, the melodic hooks and impassioned vocals are notable.
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Rebekah Hawker - Kempenfelt Bay.

Arguably, the defining characteristics of a modern musical artist with breakout potential are aesthetic in nature. Carefully chosen fonts are assigned to enigmatic monikers and pseudonyms; vowels optional, excessive punctuation encouraged. In this environment meticulous stage curation is a limiting factor, with the correct fabric and lighting acting as key nutrients for rapid stage eutrophication. Rebekah Hawker’s defining characteristic is that she, inarguably, needs no such frivolities to capture and hold one’s attention.

The ability to command an audience is a quality that most of us do not possess and yet every great performer must. And it is in her contrasts that Rebekah Hawker manages to achieve this perfectly. On one hand her lyrics and melodies are a serious affair, evoking powerful images that resonate unbiasedly. They can be fierce or they can be fragile, but they can never be taken lightly. They speak of a life lived, not imagined, giving an authenticity to the ups and downs strewn throughout her musical tales. Yet on the other hand, her audience interaction and stage persona are so wonderfully light and refreshing that she transforms what could be a sombre experience in a joyful, cathartic journey. Humble, self deprecating, earnest and consistently hilarious, she smiles often and easy, and it takes only one look through a typical crowd to see that it’s contagious. Sometimes, a performer can be said to never leave a dry eye in the house. With Rebekah, there is never a frown.

There is an undeniable sense when watching her perform that you’ve been gifted that rare chance to see an artist before they were famous. Someone you will tell your friends and colleagues about, subtly bragging years later that you were there first. Yet in describing her, it’s always with a slight vagueness and allegory. It is so easy to liken and compare her to artists we hold dear to our hearts, in more of a spiritual homage than direct similarity, for though Rebekah may be singular we can all find something familiar and comforting within her music. She coaxes out vivid memories and emotions, her music amorphously accompanying them as though there all along. Somehow, Rebekah Hawker exists as part of our past, present, and undoubtedly our future. Are you listening?

Rebekah Hawker is a country folk singer-songwriter from Barrie, Ontario, that city you drive through on your way to the cottage. She sounds like an equal-parts mix of the following artists: Kathleen Edwards, Joni Mitchell, Kacey Musgraves, Patsy Cline and Martha Wainwright. She has played in venues across Canada, most recently as an artist on the Via Rail Train. You can catch her on tour this summer in support of her debut EP, ‘Careful Women,’ out August 23rd.

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Candy Ambulance - Road Valium.

NY grunge trio Candy Ambulance return with a raw new single “Road Valium” today. A delicious blend of punchy grunge-rock is splashed with twist of punk antics and pop hooks to build the band’s unique and addictive sound. Self-deprecating lyrics are served in cheeky, brash manner, while diving deep into intimately personal truths. “Road Valium” comes off Candy Ambulance’s upcoming album Traumantic, out September 13th.

“This song is very on-brand me,” shared vocalist Caitlin Barker. “The subject matter is pretty dark – Iʼm admitting that I seek chaos and attention in order to distract myself from deeper wounds – yet Iʼm delivering it in an incredibly cheeky manner. Iʼm flirting, Iʼm drawing you in and Iʼm letting you know that the ride is gonna be a rough (but usually pretty fun) one. When I say “every time I find a spot to lie in I get so uncomfortable” I mean it. If I stopped partying or chasing men Iʼd go absolutely bonkers.” The single, and upcoming album, reflect heavily on Barker’s personal experiences as she confronts trauma, past relationships, and self-analysis in therapy.

““Iʼm in bed with everybody, I know” is something I wrote as a joke about how I canʼt stop hooking up with my friends, but upon reflection, I know it could be relatable to people. What other energies to you bring home with you when you lie down to sleep?” shared Barker. An incredibly open admittance, Barker notes the support of bandmates bassist Jesse Bolduc, and drummer Jon Cantiello as crucial to her comfort in addressing hard truths. Splashed with a fiercely brash and brazen delivery, they speak honestly, revealing the truth: we’re all human, we’ve all got problems, and you might as well enjoy the time you’ve got.

Candy Ambulance has found their niche of gritty grunge, served up with a dash of punk antics and glued together with irresistible pop hooks. Their upcoming full-length Traumantic, due out September 13, 2019, was notably recorded and produced by The Replacementsʼ Tommy Stinson and includes a slide guitar collaboration from Josh Marre (Blue Ranger, Pinegrove). Raw, emotive, and deeply personal, Barker summarizes the album as “the sum of my life experiences with men.”

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Cold Reading - Present Tense.

Lucerne-based Alternative Rock band Cold Reading introduces the second part of their three-part concept album with their new single 'Present Tense'. The eponymous EP will be released on September 27 via Krod Records.

After releasing 'Part 1: Past Perfect' in May and achieving notable successes beyond the confines of their scene, they are ready to strike a new path. Where the first part was mainly influenced by the rawness of the Emo-/Post-Hardcore movement of the late 90s or early 2000s, part two offers a sound which moves away from the niche the band has been inhabiting so far. Now they are drawing inspiration from contemporary Indie and Pop music to complement their classic sound with new atmospheric elements.

With their new single 'Present Tense', the band foregoes the traditional dynamics and roaring guitars and thus delivers their most straightforward song yet. Cold Reading combines the lightness of Death Cab for Cutie, the drive of The National and the sensuousness of From Indian Lakes on 'Present Tense'. The vocals and the message are the core of the song. As regards content, singer Michael Portmann explains the song as follows:

"The title track 'Present Tense' is about consciously dealing with my feelings. I appeal to myself to break free from old patterns of repression and to allow the Now, even if the feelings can be painful. I tend to put my painful memories in a box and lock them away. I do not want that anymore. I want to be mindful and feel my own self. Only if I manage to do so in the moment, I know that I’m alive. "

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ROCH - Moon Panda - Shhe

We have a brand new track from ROCH entitled I Love To You. With a gentle pace, a soothing atmospheric musical landscape and Roch's beautiful vocals gliding above, this is a wonderful song.

Moon Panda were featured here a couple of times last year and we catch up with them with their latest song 'On The Attack'. This time they have shared a refreshing mixture of indie pop with a few splashes of dream pop and some psychedelic vibes for good measure.

Shhe has shared 'Saint Cyrus' and what a refined and dreamy song it is. It's accompanied by an intriguing video, the track itself was recorded in just one take, impressive to say the least.
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ROCH - I Love To You.

ROCH just released an atmospheric new track, 'I Love To You'. Inspired by a phrase coined by feminist writer Luce Irigiray, in an attempt to rephrase and reposition “I love you” in order to liberate language – 'I Love To You' utilises homemade percussion, analog synths, and eerie atmospherics – standing as another stark and intriguing example of what to expect from her debut full length album due for release early 2020.

"I am interested in relationships, and what language we use to portray the everyday", ROCH explains. "Sometimes you need to reinvent language to capture the essence of the relationship."

Co-produced with Ben Christophers (Bat For Lashes, Nakhane, etc), ROCH's spiralling R&B-tinged pop creations are something completely unique.

Previously supported by the likes of Pigeons & Planes, The Line Of Best Fit, The Sunday Times, The 405 and many more, 24 year old Kate Miller's (aka ROCH) music is like nothing else. Otherworldly, romantic, challenging - her songwriting and production brings together lucid synths, intriguing electronics, reverb-laden drums, and enchanting guitar passages - all complimented beautifully by her chilling vocals.

Inspired by crossovers of space and language; rethinking the “mundane and ubiquitous ideas” found in every day life. The bridging of grand scale and domestic scale is a concept Miller has been exploring in her work since her time studying performance and sculpture at University of the Arts London’s Central Saint Martin’s college, and continues to probe in the impassioned synth pop she makes as ROCH.


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Moon Panda - On The Attack.

The creative vision of Californian songwriter/bass player Maddy Myers and Danish guitarist Gustav Moltke, Moon Panda are a band that create hypnotic, mellow atmospheres with dreamy soundscapes. Their debut single ‘Rabbit’ received a lot of positive attention, reaching #1 on Hype Machine’s Most Popular Chart.

Latest single “On The Attack”, which accompanies the announce of their new EP, Pastel Pools, carries over this wondrous sound, combining soft vocals with slick, sultry guitars.

Recalling the inspiration behind the track, Myers says: “On The Attack is basically an account of my long distance relationship woes. Going back and forth between self-reliance and feeling like an unattached wild animal, chasing affection and adoration.

Waiting for a text back, a call, some proof that I'm missed. Hopefully it outlines that chaos that can happen inside you when you just want that warmth and acceptance.”

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Shhe - Saint Cyrus.

Shhe is the alter-ego of Scottish-Portuguese artist and producer SU Shaw. Shaw wraps carefully constructed electronic soundscapes around delicate yet self-assured vocals, and Saint Cyrus is the next piece of the puzzle introducing the world to the enigmatic Shhe. The artist’s upcoming self-titled debut album tracks a period of intense personal change, due for release 11th October on One Little Indian Records.

The musician only had to release one single, Eyes Shut (which premiered on Dazed), to find herself signing a record deal with One Little Indian Records and opening for Kathryn Joseph on her February UK tour.

“Saint Cyrus is named after the area that I was living in at the time - in the same house that I wrote and recorded the entire record" says SHHE. "The house backed onto a main road so recording during the day wasn’t possible. Most of the vocals were recorded during the night. The synth line which enters half way through the track was also recorded during this time, half awake, half asleep. I only recorded one take, that's the take that you hear on the record.”

She continues; “The track is in constant transition. When I wrote it, I was thinking a lot about identity. How no one is ever complete. Things are added, taken away, obscured, manipulated; certain characteristics, behaviours. In the track there are parts that disintegrate, disappear, are reintroduced elsewhere. But the words stay the same. Living there (in Saint Cyrus) was the only constant when everything else was in transition at the time. I think that environment encouraged a lot of change in my life.”

The outro to 'Saint Cyrus' is made up of layers of disconcerting, visceral movements of sound, tugging the song in multiple directions as synths and drums oscillate between the ears, smothered with lilting melodies that linger long after they are heard. SHHE has found herself on the precipice of unlimited creativity and she’s ready to dive in headfirst. Her debut record is only the beginning of this journey


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Fletcher Gull - Darrin Bradbury - The Needs - Moddi

Fletcher Gull has shared a beautiful song entitled 'Hypothermia'. A personal account of enduring in sub zero temperatures, if you excuse the well intentioned pun, this song exudes warmth and feeling.

We featured the title track from his forthcoming album earlier this month, however Darrin Bradbury is more than welcome back with another taster called 'Breakfast', where once again his lovable humour and observations are very engaging.

The Needs latest single 'Hey Wake Up' is a smooth and pleasing indie pop track and a fine indicator for their debut album due out early next month.

Our fourth feature for Moddi is the enchanting 'New Dawn'. Moddi produces modern folk of the highest calibre, his passion and commitment is second to none and the beauty of his music is quite stunning.
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Fletcher Gull - Hypothermia.

When one life ends another has already happened. Fletcher Gull has braved through salt and sun and the naked winter to deliver 'Hypothermia', a song that might have saved his life.

Sleeping under canvas in the sub-zero Rocky Mountains of Canada, ’Hypothermia’ sees the Melbourne based musician reflect upon a glacial night where he sought warmth in song writing. “I was so cold I thought I might die, so I had to sit up and try to get my blood flowing any way I could in an attempt to ensure my limbs didn’t fall off." After being pushed to his limits, the result is a song which is a personal account that’s layered with warm, uplifting tones, quirky instrumentation and a dizzying bridge, matched alongside Fletcher Gull's unique vocal qualities to deliver an audacious indie-pop song.

'Hypothermia' was produced and engineered by Gab Strum and Luke Bertoz, mixed by Gab Strum and is from the forthcoming debut EP by Fletcher Gull - Remember That You're Gone.

A residency throughout July at Swamplands in Melbourne and an intimate appearance at Old Bar last night has seen Fletcher Gull and his band debut and refine their live show before an anticipated set of showcases at BIGSOUND in September.

Fletcher Gull's music IS HERE FOR YOU, as you chronicle your way through life and your reasons to get up in the morning. 'Hypothermia' is out everywhere now.


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Darrin Bradbury - Breakfast.

Mixing humor with obvious-once-you-hear-them observations on mundane, everyday life, Darrin Bradbury’s unique wit makes for songs that are instantly relatable; this is evident on “Breakfast,” the second single from his highly-anticipated new album Talking Dogs & Atom Bombs, slated for release on September 20th via ANTI- Records.

Produced by Kenneth Pattengale (The Milk Carton Kids), Talking Dogs & Atom Bombs is a collection of songs born from dealing with depression and the pressures of life in the only way Bradbury knows; by poking fun at it. “It’s an album trying to combat depression, to laugh your way out of depression, and to be honest and accurate with that depression,” Bradbury quips. “I try to write things that make me chuckle, and that chuckling is usually making peace with the existential dilemma of both the times and life in general.” Pattengale recounts, “For awhile there Darrin and I would meet about once a week at my neighborhood coffee shop under the guise of me dispensing advice to him, despite repeated warnings that I am NOT in the advice giving business. As these things go, there was not much to say, and not much to learn—just friendly commiseration about the torrential weather bashing at the faces of anyone who dares to attempt a career in music. So maybe it was apt that I took the wheel for Darrin’s album about depression. Captain and co-pilot leading a more diverse Ship of Fools in circles out at sea.”

Described as a “stellar singer and songsmith” by Nashville Scene, Bradbury enlisted the help of only one other writer for the entire album—ANTI- label-mate, friend, and fellow esteemed Nashville musician, Jeremy Ivey. The tracking of Talking Dogs & Atom Bombs was completed in a similarly simple way; using the same combo of musicians for every song on the record. Aside from producer Pattengale’s mellotron and vocal contributions and the aforementioned Ivey’s bass and piano playing, only two extra musicians were called to round out the band; Alex Muñoz on additional guitars and Dillon Napier on drums. The only exception is the lone guest vocalist on the album, modern outlaw country queen and longtime supporter of Bradbury, Margo Price, who adds a somber harmony to a track titled “The Trouble With Time.”

Talking Dogs & Atom Bombs will be Darrin Bradbury’s first release on ANTI- Records. “Darrin possesses a wonderful, darkly sardonic sense of humor and a matter of fact wisdom that reminded me of some of my favorite writers from Chuck Berry to Mose Allison to John Prine,” says ANTI- founder, Andy Kaulkin. “I haven’t heard anyone do this sort of thing on this level for a very long time. His songs keep me on the edge of my seat.”

“When I write, there are things that I want to get away with,” Bradbury says. “I want to get away with the line, ‘I woke up this morning and I got out of bed / Tripped on my pants and fell on my head.’ ” Overall, Talking Dogs & Atom Bombs is a beautifully refined version of Bradbury’s writing; going for broke, connecting the dots, and doing it with blunt honesty that brings it all home. “If I can get you to take that seriously, and not skip a beat when you listen to it, that's what I want.”


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The Needs - Hey Wake Up.

Formed by Kvelertak’s guitarist Maciek Ofstad and two-time Norwegian Grammy winner Bendik Brænne, power pop collective The Needs are releasing their debut album on September 6th 2019 via Jansen Records.

On their latest single ‘Hey Wake Up’, the band experiment with 90’s power-pop. With upbeat melodies, buzzing guitar riffs and a chorus that swells as the song goes along, the track has shades of RIDE and Teenage Fanclub.

The band’s debut is inspired by the adrenaline withdrawal that professional musicians experience between tours - days spent on the beaches, time spent with loyal dogs.

The line-up is completed by Brænne’s older brother and former scientist Mattis, drummer and possessor of the most Norwegian sounding name of all time Nills Jørgen Nilsen, and Knut-Oscar Nymo of punk rockers Oslo Ess. ‘Hey Wake Up’ is available everywhere Friday 23rd August.

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Moddi - New Dawn.

The activist and artist Pål Moddi Knutsen is releasing his brand new single ‘New Dawn’. A song about how we tend to use our language to hide away unpleasant truths. This he’s doing in a duet with Hollow Hearts-vocalist Ida Løvheim, on a bed of strings by Trondheimsolistene.

New Dawn is inspired and is built on real military metaphors which have been used by Norwegian politicians about our participation in the wars in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. The artwork which is a photo taken by Odd Andersen, illustrates the point; we believe we’re looking at a beautiful sunrise over the town Mosul in Iraq, but in reality we’re looking at a burning oil well after what is left after the US military “Operation New Dawn”.

Moddi, the moniker of 32-year-old Pål Moddi Knudsen from Northern Norway, was an activist before he was a songwriter. This is unmistakably evident in his previous project ‘Unsongs’ - a collection of banned songs across the world, and Moddi continues to defend and advocate for the most important and relevant issues that we’re faced with today.

After touring with his backpack full of forbidden songs for 4 years, Moddi is now ready with new original material. The album Like In 1968 is released 13th of September, and is a celebration of the everyday activism and the hope, in a time many consider as a hopeless time.

New Dawn’ is the third single from the upcoming album ‘Like in 1968’, a celebration of the future hope and everyday activism. Moddi will be embarking on a small Norwegian tour in celebration of his album. This is the preliminary tour list:

LIVE DATES
01.11 - Driv, Tromsø
02.11 - Sinus, Bodø
06.11 - Østre, Bergen
16.11 - Rockefeller, Oslo.

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Peach Pyramid - 5K HD - The Black Watch

Peach Pyramid first single from their 'Bright Blue E.P due in September is 'Wear Sunscreen'. The bands indie pop is fresh, melodic and beautifully arranged.

Austrian experimental pop band 5K HD have shared 'Crazy Talk' the latest single from the album 'High Performer' which is out on September 6th. It's a fine pop song and yes the band do have an element of experimental nature within the piece.

The Black Watch return here after their first feature in June with a taste of 'The Crying All The Time' E.P due for release as a 7" in October, their slick and addictive rock as always engaging, to say the least.
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Peach Pyramid - Wear Sunscreen.

Peach Pyramid are announcing their EP Bright Blue (due out September 20th on Oscar St. Records) with its first single "Wear Sunscreen." Co-produced by and featuring keyboards from Kathryn Calder of The New Pornographers, the track is a gorgeous example of Peach Pyramid's timeless dream pop, matching frontwoman Jen Severston's assured and melodically imaginative songwriting with rich harmonies and layered synth parts, creating a sonic palette that blends a hazy summer psychedelia with a sound that recalls Glaswegian indie greats Camera Obscura and the earlier releases from Severston's fellow Canadian Feist.

Peach Pyramid is the sonic exhale of Jen Severtson, Adrian Heim and Rowan Mackenzie. Weaving shimmering guitars into Severtson’s blooming vocals, the group deliver lush palettes, punctuated by a warm and familiar rhythm section of bass and drums. Based in the rising art capital of Victoria British Columbia, the group integrate the city's foundation of indie rock into Jens narrative and earnest lyricism - drawn from her roots in prairie based Calgary Alberta.

In 2017 Peach Pyramid released their debut LP “Repeating Myself”, on Oscar St Records. The album explores themes of abuse and healing, through sun soaked guitars and smooth vocal climbs. An internalized cry pulled to the surface; transformed and juxtaposed by way of graceful melodies and swirling guitars.

Peach Pyramid’s sophomore release “Bright Blue” showcases effervescent pop gems that are anchored by narratives of love and self doubt. Blushing vocal harmonies are backed by a rich foundation of guitars and colourful rhythms leading through the seasons of sparkling spring into a late summer haze. Re-joined by producers Colin Stewart (Dan Mangan, Black Mountain, Destroyer) and Kathryn Calder (The New Pornographers, Frontperson, Immaculate Machine) the EP is a magnificent showcase for one of Canada's most promising new songwriting voices.

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5K HD - Crazy Talk.

Austrian experimental-pop group 5K HD return with new single Crazy Talk, out August 21st. Crazy Talk is the latest single to be taken from new LP High Performer which is out on September 6th.

"As is the case with our new album, 'Crazy Talk' is a criticism of the fast-paced, capitalist world we live in. That’s where the 'High Performer' comes into play again. As if the performer is subject to a force of nature, captured in a daily grind, he continuously pushes himself to unachievable goals and is never satisfied by the results."

Fresh and colourful Austrian avant-garde pop group 5K HD produce expansive, electronic sounding music using traditional instruments. Without ever losing sight of a pop sensibility, 5K HD's music moves fluently through jazz, dubstep, breakbeats, funk and even into a prog rock escalation. Their singer Mira Lu Kovacs is regarded by critics and peers as one of the most expressive voices in the scene.

As five incredibly talented multi-instrumentalists, 5K HD's performances have earned them a reputation as one of Europe's most exciting live acts on both pop festival stages & experimental and jazz line-ups alike.

The band are on tour throughout October, including the following UK dates:
Oct 6th, Brighton - Hope and Ruin
Oct 7th, London - Thousand Island

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The Black Watch - Hypnotic Bridge (7" EP).

Having just released their new album 'Magic Johnson' ever-prolific jangle-pop band, the black watch return with another release to tide fans over until the release of another album called Brilliant Failures out soon, the Santa Barbara outfit have a new vinyl 7′” EP to tide over their fans.

Released by the Hypnotic Bridge label, the three-song offering is called The Crying All The Time EP. Comprised of the title track plus “One Hundred Million Times Around The Sun” and “Much Of A Muchness,” this stopgap release finds the prolific band at the top of their game.

Of the EP, the band’s songwriter John Andrew Fredrick says: “In anticipation of the forthcoming Brilliant Failures LP on A Turntable Friend, we decided to bring out a bit of vinyl on LA psych label, Hypnotic Bridge, who are mad for all things 60’s, musically-speaking.  Stu Pope, who runs Hypnotic, asked us to add some purple granny-glasses and The Monkees-haircuts kinda sounds to some songs we’d done, plus record a b-side, so we rolled out an old mellotron and imaginary sitar and away we went.”

Produced & engineered by Andy Creighton, the new 7″ EP is out October 11.


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Katrina Parker - Michael Blakeman - SoccerPractise - Brynn Andre

Katrina Parker was featured a couple of times here in July and returns with 'Don't Give It Up' her latest single which is a fabulous mixture of folk & Americana plus, a further taster for the album 'Stars' due out early next month.

From Michael Blakeman we have his brand new E.P 'Future'. This is beautifully textured synth pop that is imaginative, sometimes a little experimental, but never dull.

Just four weeks since we were first introduced to SoccerPractise they are back with 'Younger Looking Skin'. It's a genre defying electronic piece that is atmospheric and understated, it's also very, play me again material.

Minneapolis singer/songwriter Brynn Andre has shared 'Bright Side'. It's a refined modern alt pop song that slowly lets it's hooks dig in.
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Katrina Parker - Don't Give It Up.

Katrina Parker knew from a very young age that music was her calling. Swinging in her backyard in rural North Carolina, belting Patsy Cline at the top of her lungs, she felt connected to the pure joy of expression and knew it was something she was meant to do. “Music was total catharsis. It provided me both a means of escape from the world around me and a way to connect to the people around me - something lifesaving for a painfully shy, awkward kid,” Parker remembers. This love of music carried over into her teenage years and young adulthood.

After a move to LA where she worked on honing her songwriting and playing live whenever and wherever she could, Katrina found herself on Season 2 of NBC’s The Voice where she progressed into the top 8 contestants, gaining thousands of new fans and glowing nods from LA Weekly and Rolling Stone. It was a whirlwind experience that ended abruptly, leaving Parker to check off all the post-reality competition boxes. Red carpets and TV appearances became the norm, but the busier she became ‘maximizing’ her opportunity, the further away she felt from what made her love music in the first place. Her full-length album, In & Out of the Dark, was created in the turbulence of this period. “I was overthinking the entire thing, working from my head instead of my heart and missing the mark,” Parker reflects.

Feeling buried beneath the trappings of post-reality TV, Parker abruptly cut ties and stopped her promotional appearances. Her focus shifted to developing a sense of normalcy and reconnecting to that original spark, taking time to remember why she started singing and writing in the first place. The image she called back was from her childhood - swinging in the backyard, singing her heart out all by her lonesome, bathed in the natural reverb of her rural surroundings, doing exactly what she was born to do. She continued to cultivate that feeling and began writing again, this time with a clear touchstone for why she was making music.

Parker’s new album, Stars, reflects the duality of a childhood spent in rural North Carolina and an adulthood in LA, shifting between sinuous Southern roots and starry Laurel Canyon magic. Parker describes it as “Sparkling Desert Pop/Folk with a lot of warmth, a little bit of magic, and a touch of banjo.” Producer Josh Doyle of 3 Theory Music knew it was important to not overwhelm the songs with ornamentation, leaving Parker’s rich and tender voice front and center. The resulting recordings are clearly made from a place of confidence, channeling the clear-eyed nuance of Gillian Welch, the emotionality of Hozier, and the deep-rooted Americana of Over the Rhine.


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Michael Blakeman - Future (E.P).

Future is the experimental debut EP from Michael Blakeman. The Perth musician has re-directed his progressive energy into the circuits of the analog, the lead single Brazier To The Lake a synthwave revitaliser.

After spending years on various rock and metal projects, the EP is Michael’s first foray into the sounds of the 80s. Self-produced and recorded in his home studio, Future matches revivalist gore with an emphatic melancholic energy. The lead single Brazier to the Lake a dark and brooding march of operaHc drama and retro-futuristic voguing.

Fueled by the complexity and experimentation of metal music, composition and songwriting quickly became a large part of his musical focus. Michael's second love is technology, and it wasn't long before he learned how to combine them by pursuing audio production and sound engineering.

Fast forward to 2019 and Michael has released his first solo EP effort, Future. “This release was a huge step outside of my comfort zone,” says Michael. “I’ve been involved with music for a while, but nearly all of that time was spent playing guitar in various bands. I wanted to push myself by creating something of my own from the ground up. Earlier this year I became enamored with the classic Minimoog synth sound, so I decided to take a deep dive into the sound and aesthetic of the era it inspired.”

Spanning six songs, Future listens through like The Human League have been hacked by Pertubator, Michael Blakeman expands upon the tireless tropes, re-invigorating the textural and rhythmic possibilities with an influx of technical and metal-rooted inspiration. The tweaked instrumentals and warbled odes only deepening Blakeman’s commitment to exploration and electric vibes.

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SoccerPractise - Younger Looking Skin.

New Zealand electronic voyagers SoccerPractise return with the icy and melancholic 'Younger Looking Skin', the latest release from their forthcoming album, Te Pō, due for release October 18, 2019.

Bringing to mind the frozen isolation of New Zealand’s Deep South, new track 'Younger Looking Skin' evokes the feeling of walking home alone on a winter’s night, a tightly wrapped coat the only protection from the biting air.

The song opens with a breathless choir sample and programmed hand-claps which echo with cold indifference before spilling into a deep bass line, garage guitars and a deeply personal lyric exploring the conflicted memories of childhood and loss, enveloped in a frozen choral chamber.

“Hanging pictures on the wall / I was witness to it all / the silence is dull photos are all we have left now”

Although the song brings to mind elements of bands such as The Chills, Joy Division and The Stone Roses, 'Younger Looking Skin' remains suspended within SoccerPractise’s peculiar vision of genre-defying electronic music delivered with an off-kilter, human pulse.

The visual accompaniment, created by Wellington-based visual artist Erica Sklenars, features real footage of faceless students returning from a university toga party on a cold night in Dunedin, a southern New Zealand city with a large student population.  Their faces buried in their phones, the subjects are seemingly oblivious to the cold, to the camera and to their fleeting presence on the landscape itself.


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Brynn Andre - Bright Side.

Brynn Andre is a Minneapolis singer/songwriter. With echoes of Ingrid Michaelson and Sia, her voice conveys heartbreak and hope in equal measure.

Brynn is a vocalist, composer, and pop producer. She believes in combining delicate, sensitive sounds with driving, electronic textures.

Fever is a track about wild love. The kind that will melt you down but feels so good in the process.

It’s anthemic and escapist with a beat that will stay with you. A singer/songwriter feel paired with huge instrumentation. Cinematic and intense.

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R.W. Roldan - Misty Blues - Acoustic Black

From R.W. Roldan we have the new album 'Can You Feel This' and what a gorgeous album it is. His mixture of folk and Americana is melodic and produced to a very high standard, however it is the story telling lyrics that make a fabulous difference. They are totally engaging and can't but help draw the listener in, this collection of songs is thoroughly recommended for a listen!

Misty Blues recently released their 8th studio album 'Pickled & Aged. They are a natural blues band who take their music into other musical areas without losing that blues centred feel, they can add in some funk, jazz or whatever, the music remains consistently honest and quite addictive, this is a class act.

We have a music video from Acoustic Black for one of their singles 'Destiny Ride' which is also included on their forthcoming album. The bands mixture of feisty vocals, acoustic and electric rock combination is well demonstrated by the featured song, and overall there is an upbeat vibe at the centre of their music.
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R.W. Roldan - Can You Feel This (Album).

Born to an outlaw biker father and 16 year old mother, R.W. Roldan came of age in the Los Angeles of the 60’s and 70’s. His family spent a few years homeless, prompting him to join the navy at 17. His young life was full of hard circumstances and difficult environments but Roldan always seemed to soften things with his easy knack for storytelling.

Upon returning to California from his time abroad, R.W. worked all around the San Fernando Valley, immersing himself in the blues and Americana scene. He gravitated towards music and poetry, appreciating contemporary wordsmiths like Dylan and Dr. Seuss as much as American treasures such as Yates and began crafting his own indelible blend of country blues folk rock - a sound that lands somewhere between Hank Williams and Cowboy Junkies.

R.W. now splits his time between his house in the Topanga hills and a newly-purchased dwelling that once belonged to Fatty Arbuckle in Silverlake, where he’s building a studio in the basement. It was professed to be haunted for the past 12 years, but R.W. found it a suitably creative environment to craft the songs on his official solo outing, Can You Feel This, due out August 17th.

The new LP puts Roldan's adept storytelling front and center, backed by his easy going guitar, mandolin and dobro chops. Tracks like “Big Skies” and “Falling Star” paint an authentically haunting, nostalgic panorama of Los Angeles, while laidback ballads such as “Lauryn’s Song” reveal a sweeter side to the man. It’s all melted in the sweet butter sauce of producer Max Allyn who recently signed R.W. to his AllsWell Records imprint out of Nashville.

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Misty Blues - Pickled & Aged (Album).

From Gina Coleman - I’m the lead singer of Misty Blues ... 2019 International Blues Challenge Finalists. Misty Blues is a female led band from Berkshire County Massachusetts playing traditional and original blues with a hint of funk, soul, jazz and tent revival gospel since 1999.

The band has recorded and shared the stage with Charles Neville of the Neville Brothers, and opened for contemporary blues artists like Tab Benoit, John Primer, Albert Cummings and Michael Powers.

Misty Blues has toured New England extensively and performed in New York City, Harrisburg, Mishawaka, Knoxville, Birmingham, Memphis and New Orleans.

The band has aired on B.B. King's Bluesville, Ole Harv's Blues Revue and Oogie Richards' Mighty Mouth Blues. The band’s original recordings have hit the airwaves throughout the U.S. and the UK.

We just released our 8th studio album on July 1, 2019 entitled "Pickled & Aged".

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Acoustic Black - Destiny Ride.

What would have happened if Sublime and The Clash had been set up as one band? Maybe it would have sounded something like ACOUSTIC BLACK from Freislassing (Bavaria / Germany). The Band sets up new standards to alternative acoustic-rock and is really freshing up its genre.

Bass and drums deliver an authentic rock sound whilst the special character of the costume guitar, in combination with distinctive lead vocals, form the bands unique sound. Diversifying modern arrangements round up the music and present the genre in a completely new light.

Of course, the album is about sex drugs and rock ’n’ roll but also everyday occurrences such as travelling, wanderlust and enjoying life. Also one and the other taboo subject is thematized in a cheeky and humoristic way. The 11 songs of the album will put you in a good mood straight away and will leave you wanting more.


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Aweful - Bjørn Tomren - The Warp/The Weft - Sunscreen - Laid Blak

Aweful released 'Me Me Me' a five song E.P earlier this month. A maelstrom of uncompromising rock and roll the trio deliver hook filled rock that mixes garage basics with more sonically imaginative moments and it's a blast.

A month after featuring Bjørn Tomren for the first time he returns with 'Bad Science Fiction' the title track from his album due next month. His Americana folk style is slowly paced and a little sombre on this atmospheric and beautiful song.

The Warp/The Weft were featured here with 'A Sun Filled Room' at the beginning of June, and they return with the full album (Dead Reckoning) from which that track came. I have to say this is a really good collection of material where the bands progressive folk and psychedelia is notable throughout. If you can, then listen to the whole piece, bands like this deserve to be heard, their imagination and creativity, positively demands it!

Sunscreen return for a second time this year with 'Think About You'. last time we commented that "the bands alt rock style is uncluttered, each instrument has it's space, with the vocals adding further melodic vibes". That's something they clearly have the knack for, this is fabulous song.

From Bristol (England) we have Laid Blak and their second full album 'About Time'. Fans of reggae from any era should absolutely love this band and their oh, so, fabulous music. File under "sublime".
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Aweful - Me Me Me (E.P).

Chicago’s Aweful, which features Traci Trouble (HotLips Messiah), Lucy Dekay (Mystery Actions) and Izzy Price (Velcro Lewis Group), released their debut vinyl EP 'ME ME ME' via BeerCan Records on Friday, August 2. The band celebrated the release with a show at The Empty Bottle in Chicago and played gigs in Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin the weekend of the release.

"Traci Trouble is back with a brand new three-piece combo called AWEFUL, and it’s a sweeping new sound you might not expect. Joining up with Lucy Dekay (Mystery Actions) and Izzy Price (Velcro Lewis Group), this new project juts forth with a streamlined, layered vocal and a wiry guitar tone; it’s a new direction; a subdued sonic approach with slithering dynamics and cavernous depth.

Echoing solid 80’s Gun Club and Fur Bible’s chorus pedal-soaked vibes with a wall of dripping female vocals cascading over what sounds like a primitive and ominous lost Love and Rockets outtake, AWEFUL are a welcome new breath of fresh air to Chicago’s underground sounds.

Stepping aside from pandering to the pedantic tropes of endless post-punk operatives, AWEFUL draw out a more luscious and moaning fuzzed-out experience, drilling their sticky repetition into your cortex with songs that pull you in immediately. Fans of Grass Widow, Wax Idols, and The Breeders take note; this band is turning those same corners and will soon turn those same heads.” -Todd Killings 2018.


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Bjørn Tomren - Bad Science Fiction.

Bjørn Tomren releases the title track from his upcoming album ‘Bad Science Fiction’, which is due for release on 20th September via Norwegian powerhouse Propeller Recordings.

The modest yet mesmerising Americana-Folk track 'Bad Science Fiction' captures a delicate Johnny Cash-esque, while maintaining Tomren's poetry-like, enigmatic storytelling.

Inspired by an article he came across, Bjørn says of the track “I wrote the song after having read an article on truth-out.org about depressed climate-scientists grieving the human caused climate changes and the impact it has on the planet and its species. Through a blog they find some comfort in sharing their mourning's. Even though it’s quite a concrete inspiration it´s not as obvious in the lyrics."

Tomren hadn't intended it to take this long before releasing his debut but life got in the way.  ‘Life’ included navigating his native Norway from South to North numerous times – on skis, in a rowboat, walking – resulting in the world record for such crossings and a career path that includes studying Psychology, Greek and Philosophy, working in a mental hospital and working as a clown in a small family circus.

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The Warp/The Weft - Dead Reckoning (Album).

The Warp/The Weft, active since 2012 in and beyond New York's Hudson River Valley, has earned praise for its uniqueness and song-crafting from casual and devoted listeners alike.

Blending traditional and avant-garde styles, the warmth of a good wool sweater and the sometimes-bleak cold of an upstate winter, the progressive folk and psychedelia that the band brings to bear is propelled by poetic lyrics and a "spirit-conjuring" lilting tenor that prompted psych-folk legend Tom Rapp (of Pearls Before Swine) to ask, "Can I have your voice when you're through with it?"

The band will release its third LP, DEAD  RECKONING, in August 2019. Trevor Larcheveque: Bass/Vocals, Christian Lark: Drums, Shane Murphy: Vocals/Guitar
Chris Pellnat: Lead Guitar.


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Sunscreen - Think About You.

Ahead of the release of their highly anticipated Falling In An Elevator EP this Friday via Spunk! Records, Sunscreen announce they will be hitting the road on an East Coast tour next month. Recently joining the New World Artists family, Sunscreen will embark of on a string of live dates, visiting Wollongong, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, kicking off Thursday 29 September.

Produced by Simon ‘Berkfinger’ Berkelman (Philadelphia Grand Jury, Art Vs. Science), Falling In An Elevator exudes a beautiful toughness across its five tracks. Reflecting the psyche of a romantically confused young person trying to survive in the big city, the EP was written over the course of years, and explores concepts like romantic idealisation, heartache and self-possession with frank, powerful vulnerability.

Following the release of 'High Over Love', a slice of dynamic, hook-driven rock, and latest propulsive and romantically charged single, 'Think About You', Falling In An Elevator sees the band find their lush, indie-rock sound informed by a new-found confidence and lucidity. The previous singles received strong online and radio support with adds to Fbi Radio rotation, triple j play, adds to Spotify's Broad Chords and Chords + Cardigans, and the accompanying music video for 'High Over Love' added to rage.

Having recently supported the likes of DMAs, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Jen Cloher and Ali Barter on tour and taking stage at Farmer & the Owl and Grampians Music Festival, Sunscreen hit the road last month in support of 'High Over Love', performing to packed out venues in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Sunscreen prepare to do it all again, with their captivating performance and unheard new material in tow.

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Laid Blak - About Time (Album).

Bristol’s Laid Blak have trailed a unique path through the music jungle and picked up influential friends on the way. They don’t come much bigger these days than this key ally – Ed Sheeran. The red-haired one is a big fan, so much so that he used a section of the band’s earlier signature tune, ‘My Eyes Are Red’( 3.6 million views on You Tube) in one of his own album chart busting songs and to close his shows.

It’s a useful thing to have in the creative locker, but Laid Blak’s new second full album, ‘About Time’, more than stands on its’ own merits. Core members, DJ Bunjy and MC Joe Peng, easily use every strand of elements that turn their ears and make a musical cocktail that is heady and delicious. There’s something for everyone, regardless of age or musical taste on ‘About Time’. It comfortably straddles styles that cover a range of bases in contemporary reggae music. And most of the time it’s anything but laid back!

Sure, the breezy album opener ‘Cool Dude’ is more low-key, the band taking the brave step of introducing themselves here with a track that is programmed riddims, rattling percussion, piano, keyboards and restrained, jazzy, minimal bass! It’s – well – cool, but filled with humour, whistling, street observed lyrics, scatter-fire vocals and am easy confidence that radiates. But after that the fare on offer heats up, seeing a glorious classic dancehall style tussle on ‘Mic Man’ with the fabulously UPFUL and agile vocals from Tita Lau adding a winning dimension. The guest female singers – Tita and the equally dextrous Tanya Lacey – add a soulful and playful dimension to other up-tempo blasters like ‘It’s A Pity’( the first single), ‘Hold On’, and ‘Serious’ which head out into anything from lovers rock to a sleng teng, old school step it, rub a dub, wrap it up, mash it groove with fat horns, melodica, wailing guitar, sound system busting bass and kicking rhythms.

There is some serious business attended to in ‘Changing’, which illustrates how priorities change in life, and how in ‘No Way Out’ and the darker, more militant Aswad era take in ‘I Feel It’, that life isn’t easy. But that period of reflection is a temporary break as it’s always the contrast of celebrating life in the cheeky, chatty Smiley Culture vibe of ‘Little Bit of This’, and the Mediterranean holiday romance possibilities in ‘Fatal Attraction’. Fresh, fun and fabulous while flowing with great tunes, this is an irresistible album of the band’s distinctive brand of street soul. It’s so powerful that the band felt the need to do a rush release of it! This is music that just can’t be contained or limited. Laid Blak don’t fail in their objective to bring ‘a fun filled sunshine dance music that keeps your feet moving and your face smiling.’ So, bang on cue, spring and summer is a’ coming, and about time too! Fire up the barbeque, slap on the jerk chicken to the flames, grab an ice cold Red Stripe and put on ‘About Time’! Let the party begin!

“About Time” is released by Sugar Shack Records on Strictly Limited (500 copies) Clear Vinyl on 16th August 2019 distributed by Shellshock and available from good retailers worldwide.

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